Seneca, SD Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 100% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Seneca Safe?
Yes — Seneca is extremely safe
One of the safest cities in the country, with crime rates significantly below the national average.
Seneca has a crime rate that is 55% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 601.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 601
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
56% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 281
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
81% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Seneca Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
39 | -61% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
45 | -55% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
34 | -66% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
55 | -45% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
11 | -89% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
14 | -86% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Seneca Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Seneca Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Seneca zip codes.
Seneca Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Seneca, SD?
Seneca, SD has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 55% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 601 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 281 chance for property crime. Seneca has lower crime than 100% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Seneca, SD safe to live in?
Seneca is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A+. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Seneca is strongly recommended.
What is the violent crime rate in Seneca?
The estimated violent crime rate in Seneca is 166.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 56% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 601 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 2.0 per 100K (61% below average); aggravated assault at 120.4 per 100K (55% below average); robbery at 25.5 per 100K (66% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Seneca?
The estimated property crime rate in Seneca is 355.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 81% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 281 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 159.2 per 100K (41% below average); larceny/theft at 151.5 per 100K (89% below average); vehicle theft at 45.0 per 100K (86% below average).
How does Seneca crime compare to the national average?
Seneca's overall crime rate is 55% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is burglary (41% below average), while larceny/theft is 89% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Seneca has lower crime than 100% of them.
Is Seneca safe to visit?
Seneca is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 81% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods.
How does Seneca crime compare to the rest of South Dakota?
South Dakota as a whole has crime that is 18% above the national average. Seneca's crime rate is 55% below the national average, making it safer the typical South Dakota city.
What type of crime is most common in Seneca?
Burglary is the most common crime in Seneca, with an estimated rate of 159.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 41% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (356 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (167 per 100K) in Seneca, which is consistent with national trends.